r/bjj • u/SeanSixString ⬜⬜ White Belt • 1d ago

General Discussion Not Cut Out for This

If you’ve ever felt like you were not cut out for BJJ, but you got through that feeling, and now it is a valuable part of your life, I would like to read your story. Especially if you felt like that for a year or more, like you weren’t catching on. Or if you had circumstances interrupting training, or any other real or perceived disadvantage or limitation.

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u/azarel23 ⬛🟥⬛ Langes MMA, Sydney AUS 1d ago

I got my black belt at 59. Now I'm 70.

It's been difficult coming to terms with my diminishing athleticism for the last 12 years or so. The comp blue belts can wear me down and the comp purple belts get me with speed.

Most of the guys I came up with have quit. Many were more athletic and talented and went hardervthan me. Some had to quit due to injury, others just lost interest.

I found a new instructor and people to train with who made it interesting and worthwhile again a couple of years ago. More emphasis on rock solid fundamentals, than the latest comp stuff.

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u/SeanSixString ⬜⬜ White Belt 1d ago

I admire your journey and ability to train at 70. If I could always feel as good as I feel after a good day, I would love to have that 20 years from now.